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Ingrid Middleton, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Ingrid Middleton brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate, grounded touch to her role at Trauma Healing Hawaii. Her therapeutic philosophy is centered on the profound integration of mind and body—a passion enriched by her dual certification as a massage therapist. This unique clinical lens allows Ingrid to offer a truly holistic approach, addressing the physical "storage" of trauma alongside emotional processing.

Ingrid also recognizes the role spirituality can play in the recovery process, skillfully helping clients find deeper meaning and connection. Whether utilizing journaling support or exploring nature-based practices, she creates a safe, nurturing environment for individuals to move through their healing journeys at their own pace.

Areas of Focus & Expertise

Clinical & Theoretical Expertise

  • Trauma & Complex Mental Health: Specialized support for complex trauma (C-PTSD) and intricate mental health dynamics.

  • Somatic & Nature-Based Practice: Integrating neuroscience-informed somatic work with nature-based research and practices.

  • Attachment & Developmental Lenses: Grounded in Attachment Theory and humanistic psychology.

  • Specialized Interests: Eating disorders, cultural psychology, and the intersections of identity and trauma.

Populations & Needs

  • Adults navigating Anxiety & Depression: Support for those feeling "stuck" in heavy emotional cycles.

  • Grief & Loss: Specialized care for processing loss through a somatic framework.

  • Internal Barriers: Helping clients break through cycles of avoidance, shame, and chronic self-criticism.

  • Relationship Challenges: Supporting individuals in navigating interpersonal dynamics and attachment-related hurdles.

Interventions & Modalities

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): For the resolution of traumatic memories.

  • Somatic Grief Processing: Moving beyond "talk therapy" to process emotion through the body and nervous system.

  • Nervous System Regulation: Mindfulness, self-compassion practices, and emotion regulation strategies.

  • Integrated CBT: Cognitive-behavioral strategies enhanced by somatic integration and psychoeducation.

Professional Projects & Education

Beyond her clinical work, Ingrid is dedicated to advancing the field of somatic healing through:

  • Curriculum Development: Designing training courses, workshops, and evidence-based syllabi on somatic grief and trauma recovery.

  • Rehabilitation Planning: Crafting comprehensive, long-term rehabilitation plans for complex trauma and behavioral patterns.